Feeding Hope: Blue Ridge Area Food Bank's Fight Against Hunger
The Valley Today
As the last day of Week dawns, Janet Michael, host of "," welcomes listeners with a call to action: the bus is ready to collect donations for those in need. This annual event, hosted by , not only gathers food and funds but also shines a spotlight on the ongoing issue of food insecurity in the community. In a heartfelt conversation, Janet talks with Les Sinclair, Communications and PR Manager for the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, to discuss the challenges, triumphs, and the power of community support. Navigating Uncertainty: The Lingering Impact of Crisis The conversation quickly turns to the...
info_outline
Beyond the Hospital: Valley Health’s Mission to Nourish and Heal
The Valley Today
On a brisk morning in the Valley, the Bus sits parked at Royal Plaza Shopping Center, buzzing with activity. host Janet Michael welcomes listeners to a special conversation with Jason Craig, Senior Director of . Together, they broadcast live from the heart of a community initiative that’s more than just a food drive—it’s a movement to address hunger, health, and hope. Connecting Food, Health, and Community As donations pour in—bags of groceries, checks, and even children learning the value of giving—Janet and Jason dive into the complex web of factors that shape community health....
info_outline
Beyond the Backpack: Bright Futures Frederick/Winchester
The Valley Today
In a recent episode of , host Janet Michael welcomes Elise Stine Dolinar, the driving force behind Bright Futures Frederick/Winchester. Their conversation, happening against the backdrop of the annual "" week, delves into the heart of a community initiative that goes far beyond simply filling backpacks with food. Bright Futures, as Elise passionately explains, is dedicated to ensuring that every student—regardless of circumstance—has access to the essentials they need to succeed in school and in life. The Weekend Food Pack Program: Logistics and Love At the core of Bright Futures’...
info_outline
Beyond the Food Pantry: The Many Faces of Winchester CCAP
The Valley Today
As Week sweeps through Warren County, the spirit of giving is palpable. Yet, for organizations like , the need for support extends far beyond a single week. In this episode of “,” host Janet Michael sits down with Andrea Cosans, Executive Director of Winchester CCAP, to shed light on the organization’s tireless efforts to combat food insecurity and support local families. Meeting the Rising Demand From the outset, Andrea paints a vivid picture of the growing challenges facing the community. “Our reception area is not that large,” she explains, “but this morning I came in and there...
info_outline
From Crisis to Connection: How United Way NSV and 211 Are Making a Difference
The Valley Today
As the kicks off Week, host Janet Michael sets the stage for a conversation that goes beyond food drives and donation bins. This annual initiative, anchored by the ’s bus parked at Royal Plaza Shopping Center, mobilizes the community to support those facing food insecurity. However, as Janet welcomes Andy Gail, CEO of , it becomes clear that the need extends far beyond canned goods and non-perishable donations. Dialing for Help: The Power of 2-1-1 Andy wastes no time introducing listeners to the 2-1-1 resource line—a statewide service that connects Virginians to a wide array of essential...
info_outline
Turkey Talk: Avoiding Foodborne Illness This Thanksgiving
The Valley Today
As the holiday season approaches, families gather around tables filled with delicious food and festive cheer. However, amidst the laughter and celebration, food safety often takes a back seat—until someone gets sick. In this episode of “,” host Janet Michael talks with , a food, nutrition, and health extension agent, to discuss how you can keep your holiday meals both tasty and safe. Thawing the Turkey: Plan Ahead for Safety Amanda wastes no time addressing one of the most common holiday pitfalls: thawing the turkey. She urges listeners to plan ahead, explaining that the safest way to...
info_outline
Laurel Ridge Community College: Jeff Sinclair’s Path from Army to Pharmacy
The Valley Today
As the Shenandoah Valley turns golden with autumn, host Janet Michael, joins ’s Director of PR and Special Events, , and , an Army veteran whose educational journey has inspired many. Their conversation—timed perfectly for Veterans Week—offers a heartfelt look at how one man’s post-military path leads from uncertainty to academic success and a future in pharmacy. From Service to Self-Discovery After leaving the Army, Jeff Sinclair admits he needed time to decompress. “The military was all I ever thought about,” he shares. With no clear direction, he decides to enroll at...
info_outline
Planning for Tomorrow: Top of VA Regional Chamber’s Economic Summit
The Valley Today
The Shenandoah Valley is gearing up for its fourth annual , and this year’s event promises to be more impactful than ever. In this episode of “,” host Janet Michael talks with Kaleigh Fincham, Director of Events for the , and Scott Harvard, CEO of , to discuss what makes this summit a must-attend for business leaders, students, and community members alike. Bridging Local and National Perspectives From the outset, the conversation highlights the summit’s unique approach: blending high-level economic analysis with on-the-ground realities. Scott, a long-time supporter and moderator of the...
info_outline
A Shopper’s Wonderland: Kris Kringle Market at Belle Grove
The Valley Today
As the holiday season approaches, prepares to host its much-anticipated Kris Kringle Market. In a recent episode of “,” host Janet Michael talks with Kristen Laise, Executive Director, and Paige Ulevich, Festivals Coordinator, to offer listeners an exclusive look at this festive event. Their conversation reveals how the market has evolved into a cherished community tradition, blending local craftsmanship, culinary delights, and family fun. From Pandemic Brainstorm to Annual Favorite The Kris Kringle Market began as a creative response to the challenges of 2020. Kristen recalls how the...
info_outline
Celebrating the Holidays with Luray/Page Chamber
The Valley Today
As the holiday season approaches, Page County residents eagerly anticipate the 10th annual , a beloved event that has grown from a modest community open house into a vibrant celebration. In this episode of "," host Janet Michael talks with Gina Hilliard, president of the , to discuss the festival’s evolution and the many ways it brings the community together. From Humble Beginnings to a Holiday Extravaganza Initially, the festival offered little more than photos with Santa and a few cookies at the Chamber’s visitor center. However, over the past decade, it has blossomed into a large-scale...
info_outlineEvery autumn, Blandy Experimental Farm, home to the Virginia State Arboretum, transforms into a golden wonderland as over 300 ginkgo trees burst into vibrant color. In this episode of Tourism Tuesday on The Valley Today, host Janet Michael sat down with Melanie Mullinax, Communications and Event Manager at Blandy, to discuss the much-anticipated Ginkgo Gold Weekends and the unique experiences awaiting visitors.
Ginkgo Gold Weekends: More Than Just Leaves
Melanie reveals that the Ginkgo Gold Weekends, held during the last weekend of October and the first weekend of November, have become a highlight for nature lovers across the state. While the main attraction is the breathtaking canopy of golden ginkgo leaves, the event offers much more. Visitors can enjoy food trucks, browse local artisan vendors selling ginkgo-themed jewelry and art, and pick up exclusive souvenirs like canvas bags designed by regional artists. The weekends are designed to be festive yet low-key, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the grove.
A Living Laboratory with Deep Roots
The conversation delves into the history of Blandy’s ginkgo grove, which was planted nearly a century ago as part of a scientific experiment. Melanie explains that the original trees were brought from Charlottesville to study propagation and gender distribution, resulting in today’s perfectly balanced grove of male and female trees. This scientific legacy continues to inform the educational mission of the farm, with “ginkgo guides” on hand during the event to answer visitors’ questions about the trees and their unique characteristics.
Community Engagement and Lasting Memories
Blandy’s Ginkgo Gold Weekends are not just about admiring the scenery—they’re about building community. The popular Ginkgo tree sponsorship program allows visitors to “adopt” a tree, complete with a personalized tag and a photo opportunity. Volunteers play a crucial role in making the weekends a success, from helping with sponsorships and souvenirs to guiding guests and ensuring accessibility for all.
Tips for the Perfect Visit
For those seeking a quieter experience, Melanie suggests visiting the grove on weekdays, when the crowds thin and the atmosphere becomes serene. She also shares practical advice, such as wearing appropriate footwear to avoid the infamous ginkgo fruit scent and taking advantage of the farm’s accessible paths for those with mobility needs.
Beyond Autumn: Holiday Traditions at Blandy
As the golden leaves fall, Blandy shifts gears to its beloved holiday wreath workshops, a tradition spanning over 40 years. Melanie encourages listeners to become members of the State Arboretum for early registration and other perks, noting that membership supports the farm’s ongoing operations and educational programs.
A Must-See Virginia Tradition
Janet and Melanie’s conversation paints a vivid picture of Ginkgo Gold Weekends as a celebration of nature, community, and tradition. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a returning fan, Blandy Experimental Farm offers a magical autumn experience that lingers long after the last leaf has fallen.